Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto Blue Jays) took a step closer to returning to the major leagues by pitching well in his third rehab start.
Ryu made a start against the Toledo BirdHens (Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers) on Saturday (July 16) at Salem Field in Buffalo, N.Y. His final line was five innings, 66 pitches, three hits (one home run), no walks, five strikeouts and one run.
Ryu gave up a solo shot to Justin-Henry Malloy over the left field fence in the top of the first inning for the first run of the game, making it 1-0. Other than the home run, he finished the first inning with four hits, including a strikeout.
The top of the second and third innings were all triple plays. In the top of the second, he struck out two to end the inning, and in the top of the third, he struck out one to neutralize the opposition.
He also showed off his clutch skills. With one out in the fourth, back-to-back singles by Colt Keers and Tyler Nevin put runners on first and second. With the bases loaded, he got the next batter, Jordan Camargo, to ground out to third, second, and first to end the threat. 메이저놀이터 추천
Ryu took the mound in the top of the fifth inning and retired the next three batters he faced, including one strikeout, to end his outing. He came off the mound with a 6-1 lead and was eligible for the win.
In his third start, Hyun-jin Ryu pitched a perfect game, raising hopes for his return to the big leagues. He pitched three innings of 42 pitches, four hits, no walks and five strikeouts in the Rookie League on May 5, and four innings of 37 pitches, three hits, no walks and one strikeout in Single-A on May 10.
MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, quoted Keegan Matheson, who covers Toronto, as saying, “Hyun-jin Ryu had a great night at Triple-A. He’s getting closer and closer to returning to the big leagues,” he said.